Mikel Arteta rubbishes claims Arsenal could sell 27-year-old striker

Gabriel Jesus has endured a frustrating campaign at the Emirates Stadium, struggling with knee and hamstring problems and recently losing his place in the starting XI to Kai Havertz.

The former Manchester City man spent the winter period as Arsenal's number nine, but Havertz's successful adaptation from a midfielder to the Gunners' main striker has limited his teammate's game time.

Jesus was only a second-half substitute in both legs of Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final loss to Bayern Munich, and he failed to make it off the bench in last weekend's North London derby triumph over Tottenham Hotspur.

Having been bumped down the pecking order amid his fitness troubles, reports have claimed that the Gunners would entertain appropriate bids for the 27-year-old, whose contract runs until 2027.

Arteta bemused by Jesus exit reports

However, Jesus supposedly has no intention of departing and wants to stay and fight for his place in the Arsenal XI, believing that he will shine in pre-season as he consigns his injury woes to the past.

The Brazil international is likely to be on the bench again when Arsenal face Bournemouth on Saturday lunchtime, but speaking to reporters in his pre-game press conference, Arteta poured cold water on suggestions that Jesus is on the transfer list.

When asked about the Jesus exit reports, Arteta replied: "I don't know where this is coming from," before adding "No, no," when quizzed on whether the club will let him leave this summer.

The former Palmeiras youngster has come up with 19 goals and 14 assists in 66 outings for the North London giants since leaving Man City in the summer of 2022, including eight strikes and seven assists from 33 matches in the current campaign.

Jesus has only made the net ripple four times in the current Premier League season, though, and he has gone seven games without a top-flight goal since netting against Nottingham Forest towards the end of January.

Arteta comments on David Raya future

As well as dousing the Jesus fire, Arteta was also pressed on the long-term future of David Raya, who is still on loan at Arsenal from Brentford but could see his stay made permanent for around £27m this summer.

Arsenal are already thought to have decided to trigger Raya's permanent option, while Brentford are also resigned to losing the Spaniard, but there has not been an official announcement from either club.

Arteta also refused to give too much away on Friday, although he expressed his satisfaction with Raya's displays since replacing Aaron Ramsdale as number one, adding: "Those conversations are for after the season. We will review where we are.

"Obviously, we are really happy with David and everything he has brought to the club and the team, there is no question about it. But, those decisions are taken by all of us at the club and we will see."

Arteta also commented on the prospect of experienced midfielder Jorginho signing a new deal with the Gunners, who will temporarily go four points clear at the top of the Premier League table if they sink Bournemouth on Saturday lunchtime.